Search form

In Chile, a Navy Officer comes out challenging institutional homophobia

24 year old Navy Officer, Mauricio Ruiz held a press conference with Movilh, a gay rights organization in Chile to come out.

In a video shared by Towelroad, Ruiz says "It doesn't make sense to be gay and to hide. It's not worth it. It's not a life. I think you have to be who you are and do what you like." Oscar Rementeria, the spokesperson for Movilh said "I think today Mauricio has become an icon in the armed forces. Now time will be divided into before he came out and after he came out, it will mark a change in terms of the struggle against the culture homophobia that is so strong in the country's institutions."

Hopefully Ruiz' strong confident message and the support he is receiving from his superiors and society will be followed by the changes in policy needed to ensure that all people can live, work and love safely and happily in the country.

Related Stories

Advocates in Peru and Brazil have shared information about the impact of homophobia and transphobia in their respective countries. The Brazilian group released a report with statistics for 2014 showing an increase in violence. The Peruvian group reacted to the suicide of a 12 year old boy who was being bullied for being gay by both his stepfather and classmates.

Channing Tatum will present writer, producer, director, and philanthropist Roland Emmerich with the Stephen F. Kolzak Award at the 26th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles at the Beverly Hilton on March 21, 2015, it was announced today.

About GLAAD

GLAAD rewrites the script for LGBT acceptance. As a dynamic media force, GLAAD tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change. GLAAD protects all that has been accomplished and creates a world where everyone can live the life they love.more about GLAAD >>